Bengaluru-based two-wheeler service start-up VOC Automotive has launched a training program, ‘VOC Technical Academy (VTA)’, which aims to train and employ 2,500 people with a minimum of a 10th-grade education.

The start-up claims it has already got over 600 participants enrolled. The program it says will provide training and 100 percent job placement opportunities. 

VOC Automotive states that its program has attracted participants from various regions across India, including Bihar, Odisha, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.

The training sessions are conducted at VOC’s head office in Bengaluru, where participants receive accommodation and food as part of their training fee.

Most of the trainees are qualified until 10th or 12th and some of them have been working in their respective local garages but have no proper skills.

Venkatesh B M, CEO and Co-Founder, VOC Automotive said, "We are committed to providing quality training and guaranteed job placements in our VOC outlets. Our goal is to address the critical shortage of skilled labour in the automotive sector, both domestically and internationally."

The program offers two distinct courses tailored to different levels of experience. A 15-day intensive course for freshers and a 60-day comprehensive course for experienced individuals. Both include accommodation, meals, and a 100 percent guaranteed job placement. Upon completion, freshers can expect starting salaries ranging from INR 8,000 to INR 15,000, depending on location.

"According to the latest data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), India's unemployment rate surged to 9.2 percent in June 2024, from 7 percent in May 2024. This alarming increase underscores the urgent need to address the job crisis. Through our initiative to train India's youth, we aim to equip young people with the skills necessary to secure employment and contribute to the nation's economic growth."

The training program divided in four categories include: Beginner for general services, Bronze for bodywork, Silver for engine work, and Expert for electrical work. The structured approach the start-up claims ensures that participants receive targeted training based on their experience and aspirations. Through partnerships with 14 NGOs, Skill India, and other institutions, VOC ensures a steady pipeline of trainees and ample job opportunities.

VOC Automotive states it aims to go global with this training program and expand to new markets such as Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. 

TVS Motor Company, a leading manufacturer of two-wheelers and three-wheelers, has attained two new milestones for the TVS Apache motorcycle brand.

First introduced in 2005, the sporty TVS Apache motorcycle marked the company’s entry in the premium segment. It was targeted towards young customers and took inspiration from TVS Racing heritage. The company has announced that in addition to celebrating the 20th anniversary milestone for the Apache motorcycle, the brand has also crossed the 6 million sales milestone.

The TVS Apache is currently sold in more than 60 countries, including LATAM, Africa and Europe. Furthermore, TVS Apache is said to be the first two-wheeler brand in the country that offers factory customisation build-to-order (BTO) option.

Sudarshan Venu, Managing Director, TVS Motor Company, said, "We are immensely grateful to the over 6 million passionate riders of TVS Apache for their unwavering trust and enthusiasm over the last 20 years. Their love for performance and adrenaline has propelled TVS Apache to become one of the fastest-growing sports motorcycle brands globally. This milestone belongs to every member of the TVSM family – our engineers, designers, factory teams, dealers, suppliers and partners – who push the limits of innovation every day. TVS Apache’s enduring success emanates from cutting-edge racing technology, precision engineering, and unmatched performance. It is a testament to our relentless commitment to empowering the new generation of young riders who live and breathe the thrill of motorcycling.”

Vimal Sumbly, Head – Premium Business, TVS Motor Company, said, “TVS Apache has been at the forefront of premium motorcycling, embodying our strategic vision of building a brand rooted in racing excellence and innovation. Over the past 20 years, Apache has redefined performance motorcycling and has created a thriving ecosystem through the Apache Owners Group, uniting passionate riders globally. Crossing the 6 million customer milestone is a testament to the brand’s relentless pursuit of excellence, pioneering segment-first innovations, and delivering unparalleled consumer experiences. As we move forward, we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of performance, technology, and community engagement to shape the future of premium motorcycling. Apache is more than a motorcycle – it’s a movement, a legacy and a community of racing enthusiasts.”

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), a leading manufacturer of scooters and motorcycles in the country, has announced its wholesales numbers for March 2025 and FY2025.

The company sold a total of 427,448 two-wheelers last month, which includes 401,411 units in the domestic market and 26,037 units exported.

For FY2025, the company shared it recorded 19 percent YoY growth with sales of 5.83 million two-wheelers, which includes 5.32 million units in the domestic market and 505,012 units exported.

During the fiscal, the company expanded its alternative energy portfolio with the introduction of the Activa e: & QC1 in the electric scooter segment and the introduction of the CB300F flex-fuel motorcycle, which is the country’s first 300cc flex-fuel motorcycle.

To support its e-scooter, the company also joined hands with Honda Power Pack Energy India for its battery swapping network.

Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has announced its wholesales for March 2025 and FY2025.

The company sold a total of 549,604 two-wheelers last month, which was 12 percent higher as compared to 490,415 units last year. This includes 510,086 two-wheelers in the domestic market and 39,518 units exported, which was higher 11 percent YoY and 26 percent YoY, respectively.

For FY2025, the company clocked 5.89 million two-wheelers, which was 5 percent higher YoY. On one hand, while the company increased sales of motorcycles by 5.51 percent YoY, scooter sales declined by 2 percent YoY.

In the domestic market, the company sold 5.6 million two-wheelers, up 3.53 percent, as against 5.42 million units last year. Exports grew by 43 percent at 287,429 units, as against 200,923 units shipped last year.

registered sales of 5,899,187 units (5.9 million) in FY’25 (April 2024 to March 2025).

During the year, the company’s electric vehicle portfolio grew by 200 percent, albeit from a low base.  

Recently, Hero MotoCorp also marked its entry in the electric three-wheeler space with the acquisition of a substantial stake in Delhi-NCR-based Euler Motors.

Bajaj Auto, one of the leading two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturers globally, has achieved a new sales milestone for its popular Pulsar brand.

The company has announced that after a period of 24 years, the Pulsar motorcycle has crossed 20 million sales milestone, with the last 10 million unit sales coming in just six years.

Launched in 2001, the Pulsar was amongst the first made-and designed-in-India for India, sporty motorcycle. The company has continued to evolve and expand the Pulsar brand across various price points. Bajaj Auto shared that it was in 2018 that the Pulsar brand crossed the 10 million unit sales milestone, a period of 17 years from the launch.

The Pulsar is now sold across the globe including Latin America, Southeast Asia and Middle East among others.

As part of the milestone celebration, Bajaj Auto has announced Special Celebration prices on select models with saving of up to INR 7,300.

Sarang Kanade, President, Motorcycle Business Unit, Bajaj Auto, said, “Pulsar has always been more than a motorcycle – it's a powerhouse of energy, performance and a ‘Definitely Daring’ attitude. Reaching the 2-crore milestone in more than 50 countries is a badge of honor of the unflinching love and trust of Pulsarmaniacs everywhere. This celebration isn't ours alone – it's for each one of the riders who have made Pulsar a global phenomenon.”